Rhode Island’s historic luxury resort is one of only 76 hotels to receive the Forbes Five-Star rating for 2013

WATCH HILL, RI, February 27, 2013 – Adding to its enviable list of accolades, the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island has been awarded the coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2013.

The Ocean House is the latest addition to the travel ratings system that has been the gold standard in the industry since 1958. This year, only 76 hotels, 28 restaurants and 35 spas received the Five-Star rating. These exceptional hotels are destinations unto themselves, providing virtually flawless service and the finest amenities. The staff at each of these hotels is intuitive, passionate and eager to deliver above and beyond service with the guest’s comfort in mind.
The Ocean House’s OH! Spa is recognized as a Forbes Five-Star Spa as well. The entire 2013 award winners will be showcased on Startle.com, the online home of Forbes Travel Guide.

“The Ocean House has achieved the ultimate accolade in our industry,” said Daniel Hostettler, the President and Managing Director of Ocean House Management, LLC. “The Forbes Five-Star rating is only given to a select few hotels of the nearly 20,000 that are inspected by industry professionals. I am so proud of each and every member of my team. It is their dedication and commitment that has made this possible.”

“The Forbes Travel Guide annual Star Awards represent the best in class in luxury hospitality. Travelers seeking exceptional experiences rely on our ratings to guide them to the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and spas,” said Michael Cascone, President and COO of Forbes Travel Guide. “By continuing to evolve our ratings categories, we are establishing a global benchmark for the highest standards in hospitality service and facilities.”

About the Ocean House

The Ocean House, one of New England’s last grand hotels, reopened its doors in June 2010 after a $140 million rebuild and restoration. The 136-year-old property, originally built just after the Civil War, is perched high on the bluffs in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk and Block Island from the resort’s 49 guestrooms and 15 signature suites. Farm-to-table casual and fine dining, the 12,000-square-foot OH! Spa and more than 10,000 square feet of event space make the Ocean House ideal for mid-week business retreats, close-to-home family vacations, weekend luxury escapes and destination weddings. This stately property is a member of Relais & Châteaux, an association of 475 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality.

For more information, please visit www.oceanhouseri.com or call 401-584-7000.

The Ocean House was recently joined by sister property, the Weekapaug Inn, which reopened in October 2012. The Inn is located five miles from the Ocean House in the peaceful community of Weekapaug, Rhode Island, with sweeping views of Quonochontaug Pond, and the Atlantic just beyond. Inspired by classic Cape Cod style, the property features 27 guest rooms and four Signature Suites, with farm-to-table fine and casual dining and boutique event space.

About Forbes Travel Guide and Startle.com

Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide and originator of the prestigious Five Star ratings and certifications, has provided the travel industry’s most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958.

Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluateproperties against rigorous and objective standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions. The information gathered from the inspectors’ visits can be found along with content by curated hospitality experts tastemakers, Forbes Travel Guide editors and correspondents at Startle.com, online home of Forbes Travel Guide.